A property tax freeze isn’t enough
A property tax freeze isn’t enough
One in six Illinois homeowners are seriously underwater.
Illinois budget deficit projected to hit $6.2B by June 30, grow to $7.7B by June 2018
Illinois budget deficit projected to hit $6.2B by June 30, grow to $7.7B by June 2018
The state’s bill backlog is expected to hit $22.7 billion and pension costs are predicted to grow 14 percent by fiscal year 2018.
3 reasons charter school teachers should vote against union merger with CTU
3 reasons charter school teachers should vote against union merger with CTU
Unionized teachers at Chicago charter schools are voting on whether to merge with the Chicago Teachers Union – a move that would be detrimental to both teachers and students in Chicago.
DAILY LINKS / 4.27.2023
The Center Square: Some say Illinois' high cannabis tax rate is costing state in revenue Chicago Tribune: ‘ComEd Four’ jury asks first questions of court as it deliberates bribery case tied to ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan Chicago Sun-Times: Chicago drops public school ratings in favor of a less punitive system for assessing schools Capitol News: Businesses lobby governor, Statehouse leaders in Springfield NBC Chicago: Cook County Bans Reporters From Bringing Phones, Computers Into Courthouse The Center Square: What it Costs to Retire Comfortably in Illinois Peoria Journal Star: Peoria lays out new rules for cannabis dispensaries and where they can operate in the city Capitol News: Providers, unions call for pay increase for staff serving individuals with developmental disabilitiesIllinois government
Illinois government
Chicago’s inspector general suggests unions negotiate commonsense provisions in government worker contracts
Chicago’s inspector general suggests unions negotiate commonsense provisions in government worker contracts
Among the inspector general’s suggestions are shortening the length of contracts, allowing subcontractors to take over more services, and keeping employee compensation in line with what taxpayers can afford.
Illinois’ pension debt grew by $25B during 2011 income tax hike
Illinois’ pension debt grew by $25B during 2011 income tax hike
Despite $30 billion in extra tax revenue, the politicians who passed Illinois’ 2011 income tax hike failed to solve Illinois’ pension crisis or pay off the state’s bill backlog.
A taxpayer bill of rights would protect residents and encourage lawmakers to budget responsibly
A taxpayer bill of rights would protect residents and encourage lawmakers to budget responsibly
Illinois needs a taxpayer bill of rights to urge policymakers to budget based on available revenue — or be prepared to subject tax increases to direct voter approval.
Illinois has the worst personal income growth in the U.S.
Illinois has the worst personal income growth in the U.S.
Lawmakers’ proposed new and higher taxes would only make things harder for struggling Illinoisans.
Teresa Fiorante
Teresa Fiorante
“I shouldn’t have to go live with my kids. I’ve done everything right to be independent, but now I can’t be independent. My property taxes have doubled, and it’s going to force me out of my home. It’s like they have a gun to your head: Pay this bill or leave the state.” Teresa Fiorante...
Bill to impose ‘privilege tax’ on investment managers fails to move in Illinois House
Bill to impose ‘privilege tax’ on investment managers fails to move in Illinois House
Senate Bill 1719 would impose a 20 percent surcharge on fees earned by investment managers, but the spring legislative session ended with the Illinois House failing to call the measure for a vote.
Illinois state worker case could bring Right to Work to public sector workers in all 50 states
Illinois state worker case could bring Right to Work to public sector workers in all 50 states
The public employees in Janus v. AFSCME have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the state of Illinois from forcing workers to pay union fees as a condition of government employment.
Negligent hiring liability reforms stall in Illinois
Negligent hiring liability reforms stall in Illinois
With the right liability reforms, Illinois can protect businesses and make them more likely to give ex-offenders a chance at employment. Unfortunately, a bill that would have made this reform a reality stalled in the Illinois House of Representatives this session.
Fact-checking Rahm: Mayor deflects attention as Chicago shrinks
Fact-checking Rahm: Mayor deflects attention as Chicago shrinks
Despite Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s spin, residents are fleeing Chicago, showing they feel they are better off elsewhere.